light line

noun

, Nautical.

1. the line or level to which a ship or boat sinks when fully supplied with fuel and ballast but without cargo.

Word History and Origins

Origin of light line¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Draw a light line, AB, across the board as far from the end as half the thickness of the board.

From Project Gutenberg

Apparently the men thought he wished to board the ship, for one of them had a light line in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Frequently there is a light line (S) from the side of the triangle in the corner to the adjacent block.

From Project Gutenberg

The Light Line's ships have made it in forty-three days, and we've got to do it in forty-two or less.

From Project Gutenberg

There should be a coil of rope made ready at either end of the boat, and also a light line with a grapnel attached to It.

From Project Gutenberg